Prevalence and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in cats of southwest of Iran

Objective Contamination of soil and water with infected oocysts have an important role in both animals and humans toxoplasmosis. Cats shed oocytes by their feces that can survive in environment such as moist soil, warm and humid weather for months and even years. The present study designated to molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in stool samples obtained from cats in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. Methods Initially, 486 stool samples were randomly collected from cats. After sucrose flotation method, the DNA was extracted and PCR was carried out using the amplification of the B1 gene and repeat element sequence (RE). For strain typing purpose, the genetic marker of SAG2 was used in nested-PCR. To perform RFLP procedure, the products of nested-PCR were digested using Sau3aI and HhaI enzymes. Results A total 486 stool samples were examined to the amplification of the 194 bp fragment of B1 gene that 35 samples (7.2%) were positive. All positive samples were confirmed by using another PCR that was amplified the 130 bp repeat element sequence (RE). The identified genotypes were type III (32 cases), mix of type I and III (2 cases) and one of the samples was type I. Conclusion Our findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii oocysts in stool samples obtained from cats. It is essential that the high-risk people receive the information about the risk of direct and indirect contact with the animals.